#then receives a surname when they become an apprentice based on their mentor's name

[harlequinfrog]

i haven't kept up with the books in years but i felt compelled to spend the last week rebooting my warrior cat fanclan ocs from elementary school for some reason. you know how it is

[thefivekins]

(banner photography by Neil Burnell)

GENERAL KIN HIERARCHY & NAMING SYSTEM.

LEADER: (Also referred to as ‘Stars’, from the honorary title before their name.) The head of the Kin. Hold responsibility over everyone below them and are expected to lead until death. In charge of diplomacies, trade relations, making final decisions, and leading their Kin into battle.

TANISTS: The second-in-commands of the Kin, next in line for leadership. They are expected to solve disputes, organize patrols and events, and hold responsibility for the cats below them if the leader is absent. Tanists are chosen by leaders after they receive their nine lives.

DRUIDS: The healers and prophets of the Kin. They are expected to provide care to the sick, injured, young, and old. They are also expected to communicate regularly with the StarKin. Druids live in dens outside the Kin’s camp, somewhere else in the territory. There can be more than one druid at a time.

MEDIATORS: A selection of one or more cats chosen to help keep peace between the Kins; the true diplomats. From settling personal arguments to preventing violence, the mediators must be prepared to listen to multiple opinions and create a reasonable and fair solution for both parties. Those from every Kin don’t have scheduled meetings, but will get together when necessary.

CARETAKERS: Those in the Kin that are responsible for caring for the young or a parent of a litter. The rank can be either temporary or permanent, based on a cat’s preferences.

BARDS: Those responsible for preserving the Kin’s history through storytelling, performance, and song.

SEPTS: The average member of the Kin. They are expected to hunt, fight, patrol, and manage the camp.

ELDERS: The oldest members of the Kin that have chosen to retire. They are highly respected for their life work and are expected to be cared for by the druids, caretakers, and apprentices.

APPRENTICES: The members of the Kin that are training to become a higher rank. Sometimes referred to as 'Paws' in reference to the honorary title in front of their name.

YOUTH: Any member of the Kin that is under six moons old. They have no expectations or responsibilities, but they usually aren’t allowed to leave the camp.

(Each Kin has additional ranks unique to their culture which will be elaborated on in future posts.)

Kittens are born into the Kins with a simple, one-word name. These names can be just about anything; from other wildlife, to colors, to actions or sounds. It is expected for every kit in the nursery to have a unique name.

When a cat reaches six moons, they earn their apprentice title: Paw. This comes from the concept of them following in the pawsteps of their older kinmates and mentors through their apprenticeship. It's not necessary to refer to an apprentice with their full title, but it is seen as respectful, especially when talking to cats from other kins.

Once a cat completes their training, they are given a suffix attached to the end of their name; unlike other titles, a cat's suffix is entirely unique to them. Although there are trends within meanings (ex. -heart being given to a caring or loving cat), a suffix can be given for any reason a leader feels is right. Cats are also allowed to change or request their suffix.

Arguably the most important title of all is the title of 'Star', given to leaders when they receive their nine lives and blessing to lead from the StarKin. It is said before their name, including both prefix and suffix (ex. Lichenfog -> Star Lichenfog). It is very important to include this title when speaking, even if the leader isn't part of the conversation.When necessary, cats will take on their kin's name as a second title or surname (ex. Star Lichenfog Thunder).